Supreme Court Directs Madhya Pradesh Government to Decide on Prosecuting Minister Vijay Shah for Remarks Against Army Officer

The Madhya Pradesh Congress has demanded the dismissal of Minister Vijay Shah over alleged derogatory remarks made against Army officer Colonel Sofia Qureshi. The Supreme Court has given the state government two weeks to decide whether to grant permission for his prosecution. State Congress President Jitu Patwari accused the BJP government of shielding Shah, stating that the Supreme Court's directive has put the government on the back foot. Patwari urged Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to seek Shah's resignation and grant permission for prosecution, warning that failure to do so would be considered contempt of court. Previously, a Supreme Court-appointed SIT investigated Shah for 'disparaging' and 'objectionable' comments targeting Colonel Qureshi following 'Operation Sindoor'. The SIT has submitted its report, but further proceedings are pending state government approval under Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had previously taken suo motu cognizance of the issue, ordering an FIR against Shah for using 'foul language' against Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh during a press briefing. Shah faces charges related to outraging the modesty of a woman and promoting enmity between communities.